COPD

COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has no single definition.

COPD is a disease of the lungs. It is caused by blocking of the airways in the lungs, and it has no cure.

COPD refers to a number of chronic lung disorders that obstruct the airways. Asthma is is not usually considered a form of COPD because "pure" asthma symptoms can be reversed. COPD is permanent.

The most common form of COPD is a combination of chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Chronic bronchitis occurs when the airways in your lungs have become narrow and partly clogged with mucus. Chronic Bronchitis is the presence of cough and sputum for more than three months for two consecutive years. If there is airways obstruction in addition to chronic bronchitis, COPD is indicated.

Emphysema occurs when some of the air sacs deep in your lungs have been damaged.

Emphysema is an enlargement and destruction of the alveoli (air sacs) in the lungs. This causes the surrounding airways to collapse.

Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency-related emphysema is a relatively uncommon form of chronic lung disease. It results from an inherited lack of alpha 1-antitrypsin protein.

Symptoms of COPD

The main symptom of COPD is shortness of breath accompanied by a cough or wheezing.

Do I have COPD?

• I have been smoking for many years.
• I have had bouts of "asthma" or "bronchitis".
• I have a chronic cough or heavy sputum (phlegm).
• I have morning "smoker's cough".
• My colds last for weeks, not days, and I have at least one prolonged episode of "bronchitis" every winter.
• I frequently feel breathless during an ordinary activity--I often put this down to just being "out of shape".
• My cough has changed--it feels more shallow, as though something is stuck inside my chest.
• I feel that there's been a change in my breathing.

If you answered "yes" to two or more of the above statements, and if you are over 40 years old, it is advisable to see your physician.

Causes

COPD results from damage to the lungs over many years.

COPD affects both men and women. The average Canadian with COPD is 65 years old and has a long history of smoking. However, COPD can be diagnosed in patients as young as 40.

COPD almost always results from smoking. Not all smokers will develop COPD. Only 10-15% of heavy smokers will develop COPD. It is still unknown why.

COPD can also result from occupational exposure. Exposure to chemical fumes and organic dusts such as grain, cotton, or wood or mining dusts can contribute to COPD.

COPD does not appear to be caused by air pollution for non-smokers. For smokers, air pollution can contribute to the development of COPD. It can lead to more severe COPD for smokers.

COPD may be more likely to occur in children who develop respiratory symptoms due to viral or bacterial infections.

Progresion

COPD progresses slowly and worsens over time. Symptoms range from being barely noticeable to incapacitating. The rate of progression and severity of symptoms vary from one person to another.

Unfortunately, by the time the individual suffering from COPD seeks medical attention, much of the damage to the lungs is often already done.

COPD is referred to as the silent disease because symptoms generally progress slowly and almost imperceptibly. At first, you may notice that you experience shortness of breath only with exercise. You might find you have an annoying "morning cough" related to smoking. These symptoms may not seem serious at first, but they may progress to the point where activities of daily living, such as walking, dressing, and even eating, cause extreme shortness of breath.

COPD cannot be cured, but it can be controlled. The progression of COPD and the severity of symptoms can be controlled through:

• appropriate activity
• medication
• prevention of infection
• smoking cessation